News

Norwegian Cruise Line is facing two separate personal injury lawsuits filed in March 2026, with passengers alleging negligence in unrelated incidents both onboard and during a shore excursion.

The claims, filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida, stem from incidents that occurred in early 2025 aboard Norwegian Escape and during a port call in Roatan, Honduras, involving Norwegian Joy.

The first lawsuit was filed on 2nd March 2026 by Donka Kennedy, who claims she was injured while sailing on Norwegian Escape. According to the complaint, the incident occurred on 31st January 2025 when she slipped on a transparent, slippery substance on Deck 16 near one of the ship’s swimming pools.

Kennedy was walking towards the Garden Café buffet when she fell, sustaining a fractured left femur that required surgery and ongoing physical therapy.

Her legal team alleges that the cruise line failed to properly maintain the area and did not adequately warn guests of the hazard.

The lawsuit also claims that crew members did not sufficiently inspect the high-traffic pool deck and failed to implement appropriate non-slip flooring or cleaning measures that could have reduced the risk.

Norwegian Cruise Line has not publicly commented on the allegations, and there is no publicly available evidence confirming the exact conditions at the time of the incident.

Pool Deck Safety Under Scrutiny

While Kennedy’s claim raises concerns about onboard safety procedures, pool decks are widely recognised as areas where wet conditions are difficult to avoid entirely due to constant guest activity.

Norwegian Cruise Line states that its ships feature American Red Cross-certified lifeguards, slip-resistant surfaces, and enforced safety rules such as prohibiting running and requiring children under 12 to be supervised.

However, the lawsuit argues that such measures were insufficient in this case. Additional details, such as what footwear Kennedy was wearing or whether other contributing factors played a role, have not been disclosed.

Norwegian Escape continues to operate as scheduled, sailing Caribbean itineraries from New Orleans through mid-May.

Shore Excursion Incident Leads To Second Claim

A second lawsuit was filed on 18th March 2026 by Kelly Damron, a former passenger aboard Norwegian Joy, following an ATV accident during a shore excursion in Roatan, Honduras.

The incident took place on 19th March 2025 during the “Buggy Eco-Adventure & Mayan Eden Park” tour, which involved navigating steep terrain in off-road vehicles.

According to the claim, Damron lost control of her ATV while attempting to pass a stalled buggy on a hill, causing the vehicle to overturn and land on top of her.

“As DAMRON attempted to safely maneuver around the stalled buggy, she began descending the steep hill and attempted to brake,” the claim states.

“Due to the steepness and dangerous condition of the trail, and the lack of adequate supervision or guidance from excursion staff positioned along the trail, DAMRON lost control of the ATV, causing it to overturn and land on top of her,” the claim continues.

Damron reportedly suffered serious injuries, including a shattered collarbone requiring surgery, multiple fractured ribs, lower back injuries, neuropathy in her legs, memory loss, and possible cervical spine damage.

Her lawsuit is seeking at least $250,000 in damages and includes multiple allegations, including negligence, failure to warn, and claims that Norwegian Cruise Line is responsible for the actions of the third-party excursion operator.

“The subject excursion was purchased by DAMRON through NCL’s excursion website. There was no sufficient mention in the advertisement or the purchase confirmation for the excursion from NCL that the excursion was being operated by independent contractors,” the claim argues.

The filing also alleges that the cruise line had prior knowledge of safety concerns linked to similar ATV excursions, citing passenger complaints, reviews, and previous lawsuits.

Wider Questions Around Risk And Responsibility

Together, the two lawsuits highlight broader questions around passenger safety and liability, both onboard and during shore excursions operated by third parties.

Excursions such as ATV tours are typically classified as high-intensity activities and require guests to acknowledge potential risks before participating.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s listings for similar tours in Roatan note that they are intended for physically fit and adventurous travellers and involve uneven or steep terrain.

At the same time, onboard environments such as pool decks remain challenging to manage due to their inherently wet conditions.

Both cases are likely to explore the extent to which cruise lines are responsible for mitigating these risks, as well as how clearly those risks are communicated to passengers.

As of publication, Norwegian Joy is sailing Caribbean and Bahamas itineraries from Port Canaveral before repositioning to Seattle for the Alaska season in May, while Norwegian Escape continues her scheduled voyages without disruption.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed a reversal of its controversial drink package policy for Great Stirrup Cay, while also announcing a temporary return to tender operations at the private island…

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled Disney Believe as the name of its next newbuild, confirming the vessel will become the fourth ship in the line’s Wish class when it enters…

Holland America Line has confirmed that it will no longer send cruise ships into Tracy Arm Fjord during its 2026 Alaska season, citing ongoing safety concerns following a significant landslide…

A 64-year-old British passenger has been medically evacuated from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas after suffering a serious health emergency while the ship was at sea in the Caribbean….

Norwegian Cruise Line has confirmed a reversal of its controversial drink package policy for Great Stirrup Cay, while also announcing a temporary return to tender operations at the private island as construction work continues.

The cruise line has now extended its “Free at Sea” beverage package to include use on Great Stirrup Cay indefinitely, abandoning earlier plans that would have restricted its availability at the destination.

Travel agents were informed of the change, and the update has also been reflected on the company’s website, where the island is no longer listed as an exclusion for the package.

“The Free at Sea beverage package has been extended indefinitely for Great Stirrup Cay. So if you have the FAS drink package it will still work on GSC after March 31; you don’t need to upgrade to FAS+,” a travel agent shared on social media.

Guests who previously upgraded to the more expensive “Free at Sea Plus” package in order to retain drink benefits ashore can still cancel or downgrade, provided they are at least three days away from embarkation.

Why The Original Change Sparked Backlash

The now-scrapped policy would have removed access to standard onboard drink packages while visiting the island, replacing them with a yet-to-be-detailed, destination-specific offering.

In practice, guests were being encouraged to upgrade to the “Free at Sea Plus” package, priced at $49.99 per person, per day, in order to maintain drink privileges ashore.

This marked a notable increase from the standard “Free at Sea” rate of $28.50 per person, per day. Over the course of a seven-night cruise, that difference would total an additional $150.43 per guest.

The proposal drew widespread criticism from cruisers, prompting Norwegian Cruise Line to first delay its rollout from 1st March 2026 to 31st March 2026, before ultimately abandoning the change altogether.

While beverage packages remain optional, basic drinks such as water, lemonade, tea and coffee continue to be included in the cruise fare, with other options available for purchase individually.

Tendering To Resume During Pier Construction

In a separate update, the cruise line has confirmed that Great Stirrup Cay will temporarily return to tender operations starting in April.

Although a pier began welcoming ships in late 2025, it was only a temporary structure. Work is now set to begin on a permanent pier, requiring ships to anchor offshore while construction is completed.

“Many of you have used the pier built at GSC and noticed it was temporary. NCL will be working on the permanent pier, so tendering will return beginning in April,” the travel advisor’s update continued.

Tendering had previously been a point of frustration for some guests, as it can lead to delays and missed port calls in poor weather conditions.

The cruise line expects construction to be completed by July, in time for the anticipated debut of the new Great Tides Waterpark, which will feature 19 slides and form a major part of the island’s expanded attractions.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled Disney Believe as the name of its next newbuild, confirming the vessel will become the fourth ship in the line’s Wish class when it enters…

Holland America Line has confirmed that it will no longer send cruise ships into Tracy Arm Fjord during its 2026 Alaska season, citing ongoing safety concerns following a significant landslide…

A 64-year-old British passenger has been medically evacuated from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas after suffering a serious health emergency while the ship was at sea in the Caribbean….

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled a series of late March sailings as ongoing instability in the Middle East continues to disrupt the line’s transition to its Mediterranean summer season. The cruise…

Disney Cruise Line has unveiled Disney Believe as the name of its next newbuild, confirming the vessel will become the fourth ship in the line’s Wish class when it enters service in late 2027.

The new ship will continue Disney’s strategy of building large-scale family cruise ships centred on storytelling from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.

According to Disney, the ship will carry a design theme built around promise and possibilities, giving it a distinct identity within the Wish class.

That continues the approach already used across its sister ships, with each vessel in the class given its own creative motif that influences onboard spaces, entertainment and décor. The Disney Wish is built around enchantment, Disney Treasure around adventure, and Disney Destiny around heroes and villains.

Disney said the new ship will bring stories about characters who believe in themselves and their dreams to life at sea, drawing inspiration from films including Encanto, Frozen, Snow White, Moana and The Little Mermaid.

While full venue and itinerary details have not yet been released, the ship is expected to follow the formula that has defined the Wish class, with immersive entertainment, themed dining and heavily story-driven public areas.

What Disney Has Revealed So Far

Disney Believe is expected to debut in late 2027, although the company has not yet confirmed its homeport, maiden season or booking timeline.

For now, Disney has focused on positioning the ship as the next step in its rapid cruise expansion, with more details expected in the coming months.

The ship will join a Wish-class line-up that has become central to Disney Cruise Line’s modern growth plans.

The class began with Disney Wish, followed by Disney Treasure, while Disney Destiny is also part of the same family of ships.

Disney Believe will therefore arrive as the fourth vessel in that series and one of several ships being added as Disney pushes towards a much larger global fleet.

Part Of Disney’s Wider Cruise Expansion

The announcement comes as Disney Cruise Line continues one of the biggest fleet expansion programmes in its history.

Disney said in 2024 that the business was on track to grow to 13 ships by 2031, with additional vessels scheduled to arrive between 2027 and 2031. That expansion includes Disney Believe, Disney Adventure in Singapore, and a new class of smaller ships due later in the decade.

That wider build-out underlines how important cruising has become to Disney’s experiences division.

By the time Disney Believe debuts, it is expected to be part of a fleet serving a broader range of international markets than ever before, as the cruise line looks beyond its traditional North American base and adds new capacity across several regions.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Holland America Line has confirmed that it will no longer send cruise ships into Tracy Arm Fjord during its 2026 Alaska season, citing ongoing safety concerns following a significant landslide…

A 64-year-old British passenger has been medically evacuated from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas after suffering a serious health emergency while the ship was at sea in the Caribbean….

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled a series of late March sailings as ongoing instability in the Middle East continues to disrupt the line’s transition to its Mediterranean summer season. The cruise…

Royal Caribbean has shared new details and initial imagery for Royal Beach Club Lelepa, a major new private destination in the South Pacific that is scheduled to welcome guests from…

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled a series of late March sailings as ongoing instability in the Middle East continues to disrupt the line’s transition to its Mediterranean summer season.

The cruise line confirmed on 17th March 2026 that two voyages aboard Celestyal Discovery will no longer go ahead. The affected departures include a three-night cruise scheduled for 27th March and a four-night sailing due to leave on 30th March from Athens, both of which were set to visit ports in the Greek Islands and Turkey.

The cancellations follow similar action taken for Celestyal Journey, which recently saw its 20th March and 23rd March sailings withdrawn as well.

Both ships have been operating winter itineraries in the Arabian Gulf, but delays in leaving the region have forced a knock-on impact to the start of their European deployment.

In a statement shared via social media, the cruise line said: “As the conflict in the Middle East continues, and in close coordination with the relevant authorities, we have had to delay the repositioning of Celestyal Discovery ahead of the start of her Mediterranean program.”

Winter Season Disrupted In The Arabian Gulf

During the 2025 to 2026 winter season, Celestyal Discovery had been based in Abu Dhabi, operating a mix of three, four and seven-night cruises around the Arabian Gulf. These itineraries included calls to destinations such as Doha in Qatar, Khasab in Oman and several ports across the United Arab Emirates.

However, escalating tensions across the region have led to widespread disruption. The ship remains in Dubai, with safety concerns affecting cruise operations across multiple lines.

Celestyal Cruises confirmed that all passengers currently travelling in the region have now disembarked safely. This includes guests from Celestyal Journey, which is currently remaining in Doha until it is deemed safe to resume its planned schedule.

The company is now working to finalise arrangements to reposition both vessels back to the Mediterranean in time for the core summer cruise season.

What This Means For Affected Guests

Passengers booked on the cancelled sailings are being offered either a full refund or a future cruise credit. The cruise line has advised customers to contact their original booking provider to discuss the next steps and available options.

The timing of the cancellations presents challenges for travellers, particularly as the Mediterranean season is just beginning and alternative sailings may be limited at short notice.

Looking ahead, Celestyal Discovery is scheduled to operate a series of short Greek Islands cruises throughout April and into mid-May. These itineraries will depart from Piraeus, calling at destinations including Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes and Santorini, along with Kusadasi in Turkey.

Meanwhile, Celestyal Journey is expected to offer longer voyages ranging from seven to 14 nights, with itineraries extending into the Adriatic and including ports in Croatia, Montenegro and Italy.

Wider Impact Of Middle East Conflict On Cruise Industry

The disruption stems from rapidly escalating tensions in the Middle East following airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran in late February and early March 2026. Iran’s response included threats to maritime activity, raising safety concerns across key shipping routes.

In addition, missile and drone attacks have affected multiple countries in the Gulf region, including major cruise hubs such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

These developments have forced several cruise lines to cancel sailings, alter itineraries or withdraw ships from the region altogether, highlighting the ongoing vulnerability of cruise operations to geopolitical events.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Royal Caribbean has shared new details and initial imagery for Royal Beach Club Lelepa, a major new private destination in the South Pacific that is scheduled to welcome guests from…

Marella Cruises has confirmed British singers Pixie Lott and Lemar among the headline acts for its 30th anniversary sailings, with the celebrations set to begin across the line’s five-ship fleet…

Getting sick on a cruise is bad enough. But imagine leaving the ship with a $10,000 medical bill. That’s exactly what one Norwegian Cruise Line passenger says happened after visiting…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a block of Carnival Firenze departures scheduled between 12th October 2026 and 16th November 2026, removing more than a month of short Baja itineraries from…

Holland America Line has confirmed that it will no longer send cruise ships into Tracy Arm Fjord during its 2026 Alaska season, citing ongoing safety concerns following a significant landslide in the area.

Passengers booked on affected sailings are now being notified that scheduled scenic cruising through the narrow fjord, located southeast of Juneau, will be replaced with visits to nearby Endicott Arm instead.

The cruise line said in a message to guests: “Due to unstable ice and geological conditions [sic] currently preclude vessels from entering Tracy Arm Fjord; all 2026 departures will explore Endicott Arm instead.”

Safety Concerns Follow Major Landslide

The decision follows a dramatic landslide in August 2025 near South Sawyer Glacier, one of the twin glaciers typically viewed during Tracy Arm sailings.

The event saw millions of cubic feet of rock and debris collapse into the fjord, triggering what researchers described as a localised tsunami within the confined waterway.

Since then, scientists from the US Geological Survey have continued to monitor the area, warning that shifting terrain remains a concern.

As glaciers in the region retreat, the surrounding rock faces are becoming increasingly unstable, raising the likelihood of further landslides. These ongoing geological risks have prompted Holland America Line to remove Tracy Arm from all 2026 itineraries as a precaution.

Endicott Arm To Replace Scheduled Visits

Under the revised plans, all affected sailings will now cruise through Endicott Arm, a neighbouring fjord within the same wilderness region of southeast Alaska.

The first impacted voyage had been scheduled for 4th May 2026 aboard Koningsdam on a 7-night Alaska Inside Passage sailing from Vancouver, with Noordam due to follow on 6th May from Seattle.

Zaandam and Eurodam were also set to include Tracy Arm visits later in May, before continuing calls through the summer season.

Instead, each ship will now spend its scenic cruising day in Endicott Arm, with the experience expected to last around eight and a half hours. The fjord is home to Dawes Glacier, an active tidewater glacier known for frequent calving, sending large chunks of ice into the water below.

Holland America Line has updated the name of the itinerary to reflect the change, now marketed as Tracy Arm Fjord or Endicott Arm Fjord & Glacier Explorer.

While Tracy Arm has long been considered a highlight of Alaska cruises due to its steep granite cliffs and floating icebergs, Endicott Arm offers a very similar landscape. Both fjords branch off Holkham Bay and share many of the same dramatic features.

Early reaction from past cruisers suggests that travellers may still enjoy a comparable experience, with many noting that Endicott Arm delivers equally impressive glacier views.

The cruise line said that the adjustment has been made with passenger and crew safety as the top priority, as monitoring of conditions in Tracy Arm continues.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

A 64-year-old British passenger has been medically evacuated from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas after suffering a serious health emergency while the ship was at sea in the Caribbean….

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled a series of late March sailings as ongoing instability in the Middle East continues to disrupt the line’s transition to its Mediterranean summer season. The cruise…

Royal Caribbean has shared new details and initial imagery for Royal Beach Club Lelepa, a major new private destination in the South Pacific that is scheduled to welcome guests from…

Marella Cruises has confirmed British singers Pixie Lott and Lemar among the headline acts for its 30th anniversary sailings, with the celebrations set to begin across the line’s five-ship fleet…

A 64-year-old British passenger has been medically evacuated from Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas after suffering a serious health emergency while the ship was at sea in the Caribbean.

The incident unfolded on 9th March during a seven-night Eastern Caribbean sailing that had departed from Port Canaveral in Florida.

The vessel was approximately 200 nautical miles northwest of Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, when the situation was reported to authorities.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed that it received notification of the emergency and deployed an MH-60T Jayhawk helicopter from Air Station Borinquen to assist.

Helicopter Crew Carries Out Complex Rescue

Upon reaching the cruise ship, the Coast Guard aircrew conducted a hoisting operation to lift the passenger safely from the deck.

Such rescues are considered highly technical, particularly when carried out far offshore and in open sea conditions.

Following the successful extraction, the passenger was transported to Centro Médico Hospital in Puerto Rico for further treatment.

Lt. Nicholas Forsythe, co-pilot for the mission, highlighted the teamwork involved in the operation:

“This was a great example of the professionalism of all of the Coast Guard units, medical professionals, and the crew of Star of the Seas. The coordinated efforts ensured the individual was able to safely reach the higher level of care he required.”

Voyage Continues As Scheduled

The medical evacuation took place mid-voyage, with the ship continuing its itinerary after the rescue. The seven-day round-trip cruise returned to Port Canaveral on 15th March 2026.

Medical evacuations by helicopter are not uncommon in the cruise industry, particularly on longer itineraries where ships may be far from the nearest port.

Cruise lines work closely with coast guards and emergency responders to ensure passengers can receive urgent care when needed.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Celestyal Cruises has cancelled a series of late March sailings as ongoing instability in the Middle East continues to disrupt the line’s transition to its Mediterranean summer season. The cruise…

Royal Caribbean has shared new details and initial imagery for Royal Beach Club Lelepa, a major new private destination in the South Pacific that is scheduled to welcome guests from…

Marella Cruises has confirmed British singers Pixie Lott and Lemar among the headline acts for its 30th anniversary sailings, with the celebrations set to begin across the line’s five-ship fleet…

Getting sick on a cruise is bad enough. But imagine leaving the ship with a $10,000 medical bill. That’s exactly what one Norwegian Cruise Line passenger says happened after visiting…

Royal Caribbean has shared new details and initial imagery for Royal Beach Club Lelepa, a major new private destination in the South Pacific that is scheduled to welcome guests from October 2027.

The beach club, located in Vanuatu, will mark the cruise line’s first private destination in the Southern Hemisphere. It will be featured on a range of itineraries now open for booking, including sailings aboard Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas.

These voyages will span departures from Australia, extended South Pacific cruises and transpacific crossings, with further deployments expected closer to launch.

Situated on the northern coast of Lelepa Island, the destination lies around 1,200 miles northeast of Brisbane. It is also positioned approximately 25 miles from Port Vila and roughly 350 miles north of Noumea in New Caledonia, placing it within reach of some of the region’s most popular cruise ports.

How Royal Beach Club Lelepa Will Stand Out

Royal Caribbean says the new destination has been specifically designed with Australian travellers in mind, aiming to deliver a more regionally tailored experience than its existing private destinations.

“We are developing a beach club experience that is completely connected to the Australian guests who’ve told us exactly how they want to experience that, and that’s we’re creating,

“It’s really going to be a special place.”

Michael Bayley, President and CEO of Royal Caribbean.

The beach club will feature two main beaches, alongside an adults-only retreat, nature trails and a wide range of water-based activities. Snorkelling, kayaking and paddle boarding will be available, while glass-bottom experiences are planned to offer views of the surrounding marine life.

Early renderings indicate a vibrant, tropical design with shaded pavilions, loungers and social activity spaces, including beach volleyball, beach cricket and lawn-style games.

The destination will operate as a tender port, meaning guests will be transported ashore via water shuttles rather than docking at a pier, a move the cruise line believes will help maintain an exclusive atmosphere.

“The plan is to really showcase the natural beauty of the destination. The waters are crystal clear, blue for miles. The backdrop is just a vision of mountains. It really is a stunning destination,” said Keri-Ann Chin-Sang, Senior Director, Product Development for Royal Caribbean.

Dining and drinks will form a key part of the experience, with two eateries offering a mix of Royal Caribbean favourites and local cuisine, all included in the cruise fare. Ten bars will serve a variety of beverages, from classic cocktails to regional drinks and local brews.

What Guests Can Expect Onshore

Unlike some of the cruise line’s newer beach club concepts, access to Royal Beach Club Lelepa will be included in the cost of the cruise, similar to Perfect Day at CocoCay rather than the extra-charge model used at Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in Nassau.

Standard amenities such as loungers, umbrellas and towels will be complimentary, and accessibility has been factored into the design with beach wheelchairs and strollers available free of charge. Guests seeking an upgraded experience will be able to rent private daybeds or take part in selected water sports at an additional cost.

A retail area known as Mama’s Market is also planned, expected to showcase local crafts and souvenirs alongside exclusive merchandise.

Royal Caribbean has indicated that further details, including dining menus and shore experiences, will be revealed closer to the opening date as development progresses.

Expanding Royal Caribbean’s Private Destination Portfolio

Royal Beach Club Lelepa is part of Royal Caribbean’s broader push to expand its portfolio of exclusive destinations around the world.

The cruise line has already seen strong demand for Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas and recently introduced Royal Beach Club Paradise Island in late December 2025.

Future projects include Perfect Day Mexico in Costa Maya and Royal Beach Club Santorini in Greece, both of which have generated significant interest among cruisers.

With Lelepa, Royal Caribbean is not only extending its private destination model into a new region but also tailoring the experience to a different core market, signalling a more localised approach to future developments.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Marella Cruises has confirmed British singers Pixie Lott and Lemar among the headline acts for its 30th anniversary sailings, with the celebrations set to begin across the line’s five-ship fleet…

Getting sick on a cruise is bad enough. But imagine leaving the ship with a $10,000 medical bill. That’s exactly what one Norwegian Cruise Line passenger says happened after visiting…

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled a block of Carnival Firenze departures scheduled between 12th October 2026 and 16th November 2026, removing more than a month of short Baja itineraries from…

A UK government investigation has criticised the handling of a major heavy-weather incident aboard Saga Cruises’ Spirit of Discovery, concluding that failures in voyage planning, emergency response and onboard medical…

Princess Cruises has announced an extensive 115-night world cruise for 2028 aboard Coral Princess, offering travellers a near four-month journey across multiple continents with departures from both the east and west coasts of the United States.

The 2,000-guest vessel will set sail on 3rd January 2028, with roundtrip options available from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Los Angeles, California.

Over the course of the voyage, the ship will travel approximately 36,000 nautical miles while calling at 49 ports in 24 countries across five continents.

During the sailing, Coral Princess will cross both the Equator and the International Date Line, creating a sweeping global itinerary designed to highlight diverse cultures and destinations.

“Our 2028 World Cruise is an unparalleled voyage designed for travelers to see the world in a meaningful, immersive way – with more overnight stays, more time in port, deeper cultural connections and unforgettable moments at every turn,”

“Guests will embark on an exceptional and deeply rewarding journey with extraordinary exploration, effortlessly wrapped in Princess’ signature warmth,”

Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer.

Passengers can choose to sail the entire 115-night itinerary, although the cruise line will also offer a range of shorter segments ranging from 20 to 100 nights for travellers who prefer a shorter adventure.

Global Route Includes New Destinations

While Coral Princess is already a regular on long global voyages, the newly announced itinerary still includes new highlights.

The ship is currently sailing a 131-night Circle Pacific Voyage, a route designed to bypass regional tensions around the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Another Circle Pacific sailing lasting 129 nights is already scheduled for 2027, with plans to visit 61 destinations across three continents.

For the 2028 world cruise, Coral Princess will make a maiden call at Mossel Bay in South Africa. The coastal town is known for its dramatic scenery and historic significance, with nearby caves that contain some of the earliest known evidence of modern human culture dating back more than 160,000 years.

Throughout the voyage, the 91,627-gross ton ship will transit the Panama Canal before sailing to Hawaii and across the South Pacific, including calls in Samoa and Fiji. From there, the itinerary continues to Australia and New Zealand before heading into the Indian Ocean with visits to Mauritius and Réunion Island.

The cruise will also explore parts of Africa and Europe, including Casablanca in Morocco, as well as several Mediterranean and Adriatic ports such as Barcelona, Sicily and Dubrovnik. After its European calls, the ship will cross the Atlantic Ocean to complete the roundtrip voyage back in North America.

Overnight Stays And Extended Port Visits

Princess Cruises is also emphasising longer stays in several destinations, allowing passengers more time ashore.

The itinerary includes ten extended port calls along with overnight visits in Cape Town, South Africa, and Auckland, New Zealand. Late evening departures are also planned in destinations such as Barcelona, Casablanca, Honolulu, Sydney and Melbourne.

“These extended calls let guests experience each destination after dark. Highlights include world-class dining and wine in South Africa, Mediterranean cultural treasures, Hawaii’s vibrant island life, and the cosmopolitan energy of Australia and Europe,” Princess Cruises stated.

New shore excursions are also being introduced as part of the voyage. Among them are safari experiences visiting some of Africa’s most renowned wildlife reserves, including Aquila Game Reserve and Pumba Private Game Reserve, known for its rare white lions.

Guests enrolled in the Captain’s Circle loyalty programme may also qualify for onboard credit of up to $3,000, which can be used toward excursions and other onboard purchases.

Bookings for the 2028 World Cruise are now open through Princess Cruises and travel agents.

Related Posts

If you found this interesting, please share!

Carnival Cruise Line is expanding a new quicker dinner service option across its fleet, giving passengers the chance to enjoy a full meal in less time while still experiencing the…

P&O Cruises is introducing a longer lead time for guests to settle the balance on their cruise bookings, with final payments moving to 120 days before departure for certain future…

Princess Cruises has quietly increased two key onboard fees, raising both its automatic service charge on purchases and the daily crew appreciation gratuities charged to passengers. The changes took effect…

Guests planning to sail on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, may be surprised to discover that one of the vessel’s headline entertainment experiences carries an additional fee. The…